Altitude: 2730m
Best season: Throughout the year (skiing in winter - January to March; golf in summer)

Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir, who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty - it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.

The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there - roads bordered by shadowy avenues of poplar give way to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out at a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.

GOLFING HOLIDAYS
It is for golfing that Gulmarg has long been famous. The Gulmarg Golf Club has been in existence for over a hundred years and there are records, dating from that time, which make fascinating reading. The Clubhouse itself, reminiscent of a Swiss chalet with its quaintly sloping roof, has a rare old character. Temporary members are also welcome: the payment of a daily fee entitles one to play 18 holes on a course well maintained by the State Tourism Department. 

We operate golfing tours in Gulmarg on an individual basis, arranging transfers by road, hire of equipment and the daily course fees payment for you.  Its the perfect way to spend a free day in Srinagar, easily reached by road in around one hour.  Longer stays in Gulmarg are also popular, with other activities including horse-riding and trekking available, making it an ideal location for a family break.  Please contact us directly for more information and a detailed itinerary suited to your own travel plans. 

HORSE RIDING   This is the best activity by which all the sites of Gulmarg can be seen. Horses can be hired directly or arranged through the Tourist Office.  A ride out onto the mountains is indeed fit for the kings who used to visit this regional playground - there is no better way to get close to the heavens.


SKIING & WINTER SPORTS
Some of the best slopes in the country for beginners and intermediate skiers are available at Gulmarg. Skiing equipment is available on hire from the Ski-Shop. In winter, Gulmarg's natural slopes and inclines turn into the country’s premier skiing resort. Not all tourists who visit in winter come for skiing - some simply are there to watch the skiing or to enjoy a holiday in the snow, sledging and taking snow scooters or trekking. Many of these are infected with the excitement of the skiers, and have donned their first pair of skis within a short while of their arrival.

Ski lift slopes and snowmobile runs
Of numerous slopes, there are a few which are serviced by ski lifts. Most of the skiing is centred on these slopes, which are suited to beginners and intermediate level skiers, with ski runs ranging from 200 m to 3kms. Instructors are available for both levels.
There are also a number of slopes of varying lengths and gradients which suit more experienced and adventurous skiers.  These runs do not have ski lifts, but can be reached by snowmobile or by trekking up the mountain.  These runs offer adventurous skier the immense advantage of being a lot less crowded than the popular, ski lift serviced slopes.

Advanced skiers often trek in the snow for several hours to the very top of Apharwat Peak, to make a descent lasting 30 minutes. Advanced skiers can also make fantastic runs of 3kms down from Kongdori, with the advent of the Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car service to Kongdori.

Sledging and tobagganing at Gulmarg
Tobagganing is a popular and fun activity that requires no skill.  A flat wooden board is taken up the hill and allowed to slide downhill on the snow-covered slopes without a navigator. Great fun for those with a head for speed and a love for letting loose in the snow!  Sledges as well as sledge-pullers are always available on hire.  There are also snow scooters and snowbobbing, neither of which require special skills, and both of which are a good break from the ski-runs once in a while.

 

Skiing in Kashmir Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights Available: January - March (detailed itinerary on request) This fantastic adventure tour takes us to India's premier ski resort, Gulmarg, found nestled in the Kashmir Himalayan Range.  Stay in gorgeous ski lodge accommodation and ski just minutes from your hotel door, on runs up to 10km in length.  There is plenty to keep you busy - optional treks to Khilanmarg Plateau high above Gulmarg are available, followed by an exhilarating ski down on virgin snow on a variety of trails. The perfect destination for families, skiing at Gulmarg can be treated as a short holiday on its own, or a week of skiing can be added to a trekking expedition in Kashmir or a stay on the beautiful houseboats of Srinagar.  ITINERARY DAY 01  SRINAGAR - GULMARG   You are met on arrival in Srinagar and transferred to the coach station for the journey to Gulmarg, which takes around one and a half hours.  On arrival, we check into your ski lodge accommodation and settle in. DAY 02 - DAY 06  GULMARG   The following five days are free to spend as you choose, tackling the slopes or trekking into the surrounding mountains, and enjoying the many activities available to you. DAY 07  GULMARG - SRINAGAR   We transfer to the coach station for our drive back to Srinagar.  On arrival, we transfer to your accommodation in Srinagar, or to the starting point of your onward journey.  Tour ends. TOUR INCLUSIONS Accommodation on a full-board basis.  Please note that different standards of accommodation can be arranged. Return coach transfers from Srinagar. Ski equipment (not including ski clothing) and ski lift pass. All transfers, including pick-ups and drop-offs at start and end of tour.